Why did BCCI move the first Test between India and South Africa from Delhi to Kolkata?

The BCCI has decided to swap Delhi with Kolkata as the venue for the first India-South Africa Test match scheduled for November 14-18, 2025. Under the new arrangement, the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will now host the second Test between India and West Indies from October 10-14, while Eden Gardens in Kolkata will host the first Test between India and South Africa in November."The Arun Jaitley Delhi will now hold the second Test between India and West Indies between Oct 10-14, which was originally supposed to be held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kolkata, meanwhile, will now hold the first Test between India and South Africa from Nov 14-18. This has been done to avoid the players from being affected by possibly high pollution levels at that time of the year. The BCCI prioritises the welfare and well-being of the players and their health at all times.

A formal announcement regarding this swap will be made in the next couple of days," a BCCI source had told TOI.The decision comes in the light of concerns over severe air pollution levels in the national capital during Diwali season. The BCCI faced criticism for initially scheduling the match in Delhi during a period known for hazardous air quality.

It was influenced by studying Delhi's pollution patterns over the past decade, particularly noting the severe air quality issues during winter months following Diwali celebrations.

The pollution concerns were highlighted during the 2023 ODI World Cup when Bangladesh cancelled training sessions before their match against Sri Lanka on November 6. Previous incidents have demonstrated the severity of Delhi's air pollution impact on cricket. In December 2017, Sri Lankan players wore masks and experienced nausea during a Test match, while in November 2019, two Bangladesh players vomited during an ODI.

The problem has also affected domestic cricket, with two Ranji Trophy matches in Delhi being cancelled in November of the 2016-17 season due to players suffering headaches and burning sensations in their eyes.Medical experts have consistently warned about the risks of outdoor sports activities in Delhi during November, citing potential long-term health effects. In 2024, November was the month with the worst air quality in Delhi, with the AQI reaching a record high of 795. Air quality remained hazardous for several days.Delhi's last hosted a Test match in February 2023 against Australia.